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Drug Pricing Changes Needed: Medicare Commission

An independent congressional agency released recommendations for improving Medicare on Wednesday, including several proposals aimed at reducing how much the program spends on prescription drugs. (Morning Consult)

The proposal from the nonpartisan Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, or MedPAC, steers clear of calling for the government to negotiate drug prices directly, an option both presidential candidates advocate. For beneficiaries, the plan is a mixed bag. All seniors would get better protection from extremely high costs, but some may have to spend more. (The Chicago Tribune)

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission warned in its June report to Congress that rising drug costs and other factors helped drive Medicare Part D spending up nearly 60 percent between 2007 and 2014. (NPR)